A new batch of the Florida Keys’ most dedicated community leaders saw their year-long efforts rewarded as Leadership Monroe County (LMC) celebrated its graduation for Class XXXI – “31 Fators” – on April 27 at Marathon Community Park.
Building upon its community festival format from 2023, the day included demos and booths from dozens of partner organizations, including everything from live baby alligators with FWC to bomb squad demos and roaming members of the Key West Police Department’s mounted patrol unit. Ax-throwing, bounce houses, field games and a row of food trucks rounded out the family-friendly day at the park.
A short ceremony closed the day’s festivities by honoring each of the graduates and acknowledging the contributions of outgoing LMC board members. As is tradition, Class XXXI’s leadership development journey included completion of a class project – in this case, a raffle with cash prizes and funds earmarked to support LMC itself ($5,000) and swim lessons for children through Keys Kids Swim ($8,500).
Established in 1992, Leadership Monroe County is an educational nonprofit community leadership organization developed to address the rapidly changing needs and concerns of the county, develop a group of well-educated leaders, help guide the community in a positive direction and foster countywide effective and nonpartisan alliances. Through a series of single or multi-day sessions over seven months, participants examine the fundamental public and private segments throughout the county. More information is at leadershipmonroecounty.org.
Photos by Alex Rickert and Jason Koler
